But Benitez has wisely maintained a public silence over the club's off-field problems in recent months and instead concentrated on his team's on-field performances.

He added: "We have an important game on Sunday and we have to concentrate on that."

However, former Liverpool chairman David Moores, who sold out to the warring American co-owners, says the power struggle at Anfield is turning the club into a laughing stock.

"It's heartbreaking. I'm almost lost for words about the damage that's being done to the club at the present time," Moores told the Liverpool Echo.

"As a fan, and as someone who loves the club, it is totally unacceptable to see this being played out in the public arena.

"When things are played out like they are at present it virtually makes the club a laughing stock."

He added: "This is most certainly not what the club is about. In fact, I can't ever remember, even going back to when I was a supporter as a kid, stuff being played out in public like we have seen in the last six months.

"It is embarrassing and it is not an acceptable way of doing things. I've never known anything like it and I'm just absolutely shell-shocked."

I'm almost lost for words about the damage that's being done to the club at the present time

David Moores

Meanwhile, Benitez recognises that Blackburn have been a thorn in Liverpool's side in recent seasons, and is expecting a physical battle from Mark Hughes' side.

"They are a tough team to play against because physically they are aggressive, they are well organised and it has been difficult against them in the past, but maybe this time it will be different.

"They also have players with quality. We need to be aware of their physical approach and also of their quality on the pitch."

Benitez admitted he wants the battle for fourth placed tied up as quickly as possible.

He said: "That's what we've been telling the players. We want to win every game now if it is possible, and then see what happens with Everton.

"We want to make sure we can finish in the top four and then think about the semi-final."

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